Lisandro Martinez has issued a fresh apology after Manchester United reportedly fined him for speaking out against the club’s hierarchy in a bombshell interview this week.
Speaking after United were turned over by Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night, the Argentine gave a stunning interview to Amazon Prime in which he slammed United’s executives for a subpar performance in the transfer window and questioned the commitment of some of his team-mates.
He said United’s performance against Atletico was “really poor” and the product of a summer spend which did not match the squad’s expectations.
Dressing room unrest and clear-the-air talks
His words triggered unrest in the United dressing room, and he was reportedly confronted by at least one team-mate.
But he has issued a further apology after holding clear-the-air talks with Michael Carrick and club executives.
Standard Sport understands that meeting was held on Thursday afternoon, after which Martinez made the independent decision to issue a public apology for his outburst.
It is also understood that Martinez and club officials are prepared to leave this episode in the past, and it is considered by all parties to be water under the bridge.
Martinez's apology statement
Martinez wrote on Thursday: “Today I met with the club’s leadership and the manager. It was a very positive conversation, where we were able to exchange views and speak openly about what happened after the game.
“Everyone knows that I am a passionate person and that I live football with great intensity. The frustration of the defeat led me to express how I felt at a time and place that perhaps were not the right ones, and for that I want to apologise.
“Our club is at its best when we are all united, and I recognise that my words in that moment did not help with that.
“I know that every single person at Manchester United is doing everything possible to achieve our shared ambition: bringing the success that this club and its supporters deserve.
“With this situation now behind us, we are fully focused on winning together.”
Fine reported by BBC Sport
There had been much speculation as to whether he would be sanctioned by the club, and reports from BBC Sport today suggest he has been handed a fine by the club.
